Collection of Old Master paintings will headline March 26 auction in Florida

This original oil on card painting by Alfred Schwarz (German, 1867-1951) is expected to easily surpass its modest estimate of $500-$700.

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA.- A marvelous collection of 17th century Old Master paintings that was gathered by a Miami woman from around the world prior to her retirement in Florida is the expected headliner at an auction slated for Saturday, March 26th, by Antiques & Modern Auction Gallery in the firms gallery at 809 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach, starting at 1 pm (EST).

Paintings either by, or attributed to, the Old Masters Maerten Vos (Neth., 1532-1603), Guido Reni (Ital., 1575-1642), Giovanni Carnovali (Ital., 1804-1873), and Francesco Albani (Ital., 1578-1660), were acquired by the Miami woman, now 80, earlier in life, when she and her husband acquired them at auction houses and antique shops while living in Italy and Venezuela.

About 250 lots will come up for bid. In addition to the Old Master paintings, the sale will also feature sterling silver, bronze, porcelain, art glass and other decorative items, to include a collection of seven unopened Erte Courvoisier Cognac bottles, each one with a different label.

The painting by the Flemish Master Maerten Vos (aka Martin de Vos) is a museum-quality oil on wood board depiction of a woman and a man preparing to fish and hunt, as cherubs look on. The work measures 20 inches by 16 inches minus frame, and is expected to bring $6,000-$8,000. Maerten Vos enjoyed a career as one of the leading history painters in the Spanish Netherlands.

The beautiful oil on canvas painting of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, attributed to Guido Reni, is 23 inches by 17 inches in the frame and carries a pre-sale estimate of $4,000-$5,000. Reni was an Italian painter of high-Baroque style. A 19th century oil depiction of the Madonna, attributed to Giovanni Carnovali, measuring 18 inches by 14 inches, framed, should realize $4,000-$5,000.

An oil on canvas rendering of a sleeping baby, attributed to Francesco Albani (or Albano), the Italian Baroque painter who was active in Bologna, Rome and Florence, measures 28 inches by 23 inches, framed, and should realize $2,500-$3,500. An unsigned Italian School Old Master oil painting of S. Jerome, re-lined, 31 inches by 28 inches framed, is expected to hit $4,000-$6,000.

Not from the same collection, but still from the 17th century, is an unsigned portrait oil painting from the Rembrandt School, possibly of Rembrandt himself. The re-lined work is 26 inches by 21 inches (sight) and should garner $800-$1,200. A more recent oil painting on card, by Alfred Schwarz (German, 1867-1951), 23 inches by 19 inches in the frame, should easily surpass its modest pre-sale estimate of $500-$700.

The painting with the highest pre-sale estimate is an oil on canvas depiction of a nude woman, attributed to Cristobal Rojas (Venez., 1857-1890). Rojas was one of the most important and high-profile Venezuelan painters of the 19th century. His painting styles varied throughout his life. This work has an estimate of $40,000-$60,000, but it is an attribution, without verification.

The collection of seven Erte cognac bottles dates to 1988. Each bottle is 10 inches tall and all the labels are different. Erte finished designing the collection (released one per year and limited to 12,000 bottles) just before his death in 1990, at age 97. The collection should hit $2,500-$3,500. Also, a Le Verre Francais signed art glass vase, 21 inches tall, should command $700-$1,000.

One lot consisting of 79 pieces of English Royal Husk parcel gilt sterling flatware, hallmarked London (1985-1992) by Cornelius J. Vander, Ltd., carrying a total troy silver ounce weight of a staggering 186 ozt., is expected to coast to $4,000-$5,000. Also, a 19th century Florentine carved alabaster sculpture by Antonio Frilli (Ital., 1860-1920), artist signed on the back of the neck, with an overall height of 51 inches including pedestal, is expected to hammer for $1,000-$1,500.

The full catalog may be viewed now by visiting www.antiquesmodern.com. Internet bidding will be facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. Auctions will be held each month, and free appraisals are available. To schedule an appointment, interested sellers can call 561-318-1834. Specialists will be pleased to meet with prospective clients in person, in their home or other location, to discuss and evaluate their items.